Just a thought. Range of the KTM640 LC4?

**Waihou Thumper** · 21st November 2008, 00:38

Hi all....

I know we like riding and some more than others.
I guess at the end of the day comfort and range plays a vital part...
What I can't understand is the KTM LC4 Adventure never really made a splash here in New Zealand?
The tank is 28 litres, I average 20-21
km/litre...It gives me a huge range...+
I get to approx 530km and then flick the pet cock to reserve. I think I would get to 580-600 at a push but I really need to try it..
I see there is a 640 for sale on trade me reduced the price over the last few months...
Given that there is the KLR, the FS650GS, others etc....
KTM are a but understated, is this this because bugger all made it to our shores..?
The Americans love the LC4 and I can understand that, the fuel range alone must be a bonus.
I have three one litre cans which I can carry but I have yet to find a place for them on the bike. Never run out of fuel...lol
I have sold one of these to a Mainlander, it would be interesting to see how he goes?
I know range isn't everything, but isn't it nice that when you get to the end of the road you can keep turning left and go deeper into the bush?....lol
I have lost count at the times that a good aventure ride turns into a great one because of fuel and a quick look of the map and "Bugger it, I got plenty"....

**Gremlin** · 21st November 2008, 01:05

Originally Posted by Tearoha2971

KTM are a but understated, is this this because bugger all made it to our shores..?

Being far from the KTM home base, the bikes are comparatively expensive when people do basic sums with the japs... Some models don't get released in the states, so parts availability, well, go get a raping from the local dealer, which do not cover the country quite as much as the jap brands.

Those that know KTM... well... they like them a lot!

**clint640** · 21st November 2008, 08:34

I think NZ is a bit small for the 640 Adv. They're definitely a cool bike & I love the Rallye look, but it's not that often you need a 500+ km range in NZ. A 300+ km range is frequently handy however & that's why the 01-02 640 Enduro's with the 18L tank std were probably the best selling LC4 in NZ.

The reason there aren't more LC4's in general is pretty simple, they cost more. RRP of $17K for the 640 Adv vs $9K for a DR650, it's a big gap.

I would challenge anybody who thinks KTM parts are expensive & hard to get to inquire as to price/availability on a selection of similar parts off a DR650 & a 640 LC4 & get back to me. You might be surprised.

Cheers
Clint

**Oscar** · 21st November 2008, 08:59

Originally Posted by clint640

I think NZ is a bit small for the 640 Adv. They're definitely a cool bike & I love the Rallye look, but it's not that often you need a 500+ km range in NZ. A 300+ km range is frequently handy however & that's why the 01-02 640 Enduro's with the 18L tank std were probably the best selling LC4 in NZ.

The reason there aren't more LC4's in general is pretty simple, they cost more. RRP of $17K for the 640 Adv vs $9K for a DR650, it's a big gap.

I would challenge anybody who thinks KTM parts are expensive & hard to get to inquire as to price/availability on a selection of similar parts off a DR650 & a 640 LC4 & get back to me. You might be surprised.

Cheers
Clint

I'm with you there, Brudda Clint.

Suzuki make up for ridiculous new bike prices on expensive parts prices.
New seat for a DL1000? $600.
New seat for a 950ADV (gel)? $290.

Notwithstanding that, buy an equivalent Jap bike to an LC4 (and "E" like mine), say an XT660. Now replace all the average suspension parts, levers and handlebars etc with the good stuff. Same price.

**warewolf** · 21st November 2008, 09:09

Wot Clint said. I've often said to ppl that the LC4E with 18L tank and comfort seat offers the best bang for your buck. Kiwiland is more about trail rides than adventure, and the E fits that bill better. The A is a bit overkill, but I bought mine because I didn't want to have to faff with the bike and make it frankencycle, like a lot of DRs end up - my choice. It pretty much works and is complete out-of-the-box. It's also a pleasure to work on cfm jap bikes.

This isn't Australia... you don't need 6-900km range, even for special trips. 3-400km is heaps. You'll only fall short if you ignore fuel stations along the way. Or like me, only half fill the tank to save 10kg of weight up front.

The Americans love the KLR wa-a-ay more than the 640.

Another reason for the lack of 640As is local availability, which likely was a chicken-and-egg situation vs sales. Only 1 was imported per year, thru to 2004. 2005 they imported 2; 2006-7 maybe 4 each year. There are also several private imports around, and maybe some used imports heading this way.

Many parts for my 640A are significantly cheaper than similar items for my DR-Z250. It was just a Suzuki, ffs. But that's Suzuki's pricing model in this country: stoopid-cheap bikes, profit in the parts. Unfortunately, KTM is heading the same way.

Price for a clutch lever on $7k DR-Z250: $85.
Price for a pair of spare levers for the KTM: $45
(but the KTM ones are better designed & built, so I haven't broken one yet.)

**Oscar** · 21st November 2008, 09:57

Originally Posted by warewolf

(but the KTM ones are better designed & built, so I haven't broken one yet.)

That bloody McPhee busted a brake lever on my LC4.
He's such a bitch...

**Waihou Thumper** · 21st November 2008, 10:13

Originally Posted by warewolf

Another reason for the lack of 640As is local availability, which likely was a chicken-and-egg situation vs sales. Only 1 was imported per year, thru to 2004. 2005 they imported 2; 2006-7 maybe 4 each year. There are also several private imports around, and maybe some used imports heading this way.

Many parts for my 640A are significantly cheaper than similar items for my DR-Z250. It was just a Suzuki, ffs. But that's Suzuki's pricing model in this country: stoopid-cheap bikes, profit in the parts. Unfortunately, KTM is heading the same way.

Price for a clutch lever on $7k DR-Z250: $85.
Price for a pair of spare levers for the KTM: $45
(but the KTM ones are better designed & built, so I haven't broken one yet.)

I never knew that only one was imported per year. That would explain things.
I actually did bend the clutch lever on the KTM. I priced one from the States and it was $40 odd US, I had a spare one from a DRZ sitting in the garage and I think that was about $16, fitted straight on...

**Waihou Thumper** · 21st November 2008, 10:18

Originally Posted by warewolf

This isn't Australia... you don't need 6-900km range, even for special trips. 3-400km is heaps. You'll only fall short if you ignore fuel stations along the way. Or like me, only half fill the tank to save 10kg of weight up front.

Mind you, it is nice to ignore the stops and keep turning left or right without having to wonder "Is there gas somewhere on this route"
It is nice to get really lost and just keep going...
That is what I like about the machine. I know it can be heavy but it is getting lighter and lighter all the time.....Just use more gas...lol

**ducatijim** · 21st November 2008, 10:25

[QUOTE=Oscar;1818900]
New seat for a DL1000? $600.
New seat for a 950ADV (gel)? $290.

QUOTE]

New gel seat 990 adv = $440 !( Not even close to as good as the Corbin DR seat at about sixhundy)

**Oscar** · 21st November 2008, 10:35

[QUOTE=ducatijim;1819004]

Originally Posted by Oscar

New seat for a DL1000? $600.
New seat for a 950ADV (gel)? $290.

QUOTE]

New gel seat 990 adv = $440 !( Not even close to as good as the Corbin DR seat at about sixhundy)

I didn't say it was any good.
I bought a gel seat for me 950 and it cost $290 through Mr. McPhees Motorcycle Parts Emporium. I sold it 'cause it was too short.

My gel seat on the LC4 on the other hand is magic. $189.95 delivered.

**warewolf** · 21st November 2008, 10:51

Originally Posted by Oscar

That bloody McPhee busted a brake lever on my LC4.
He's such a bitch...

Didya slap him?

Originally Posted by Tearoha2971

I had a spare one from a DRZ sitting in the garage and I think that was about $16, fitted straight on...

I could buy non-genuine clutch levers for the Suzuki for $16, but they didn't have the switch tab either.

**Oscar** · 21st November 2008, 15:35

Originally Posted by warewolf

Didya slap him?

You go first (he has guns).

**warewolf** · 21st November 2008, 16:03

Originally Posted by Oscar

You go first (he has guns).

And a machete...

**Waihou Thumper** · 22nd November 2008, 17:02

[quote=ducatijim;1819004]

Originally Posted by Oscar

New seat for a DL1000? $600.
New seat for a 950ADV (gel)? $290.

QUOTE]

New gel seat 990 adv = $440 !( Not even close to as good as the Corbin DR seat at about sixhundy)

Compared to Japanese bits and pieces....
A new front guard for the 640A cost $48.00 delivered from Austria!
I have sourced these parts etc from USA and are very reasonable.
For some strange reason we are getting high-jacked by Aussie and KTM NZ me thinks....
There is a huge difference in prices but I guess it might have something to do with demand??

My oil breather hose for the husaberg was just $23.00US, couldn't even get a reply from Aussie or haven't heard back from the other source and that is two hours down the road!
Got here in 10 days and it was on!

**bart** · 22nd November 2008, 20:27

Had a good long look at a new 690 enduro today.............tempting.

Shame the tricked out, low km, 05 speed triple was cheaper. Even more tempting.

Decisions.

The speed triple would be shit on gravel though.